In brief
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” Apple has been asked to reflect this change on its Maps platform. Google has already updated US maps, while Canadian maps still show the original name. The rename has met pushback in Canada, with utilities apologising for confusion. The move underscores tensions in US‑Canada trade talks.
US President Donald Trump’s latest executive order demands Apple’s Maps app change the name of Lake Ontario to "Lake America," a move that has flipped headlines across the border.
Google already updated its maps for users in the United States, but Canadian users still see the traditional name. The change is tied to the official Geographic Names Information System and is meant to reflect a new national narrative.
Canadians have been quick to reply. Hydro One and other regional utilities apologized after their maps briefly displayed the new name, citing third‑party mapping services. The optics of the rename sparked a quick wave of criticism and a small digital protest on public‑tracking boards.
Not all map providers are changing the name. MapQuest, for instance, chose not to rename the lake but offered users a playful tool to rename it themselves. Despite the controversy, the app surged to the top of Canada’s download charts after the announcement.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford countered by installing a large sign on the lakeshore that reads "Lake Ontario Now and Always" in both English and French. "We’ve been calling this lake Lake Ontario for generations," Ford told a reporter, underscoring the clash over cultural heritage and national identity.
